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THE REWARD Of 






FILIAL PIETY 



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M. DE CANTILLON 






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THE 



fSibbcy Press 

PUBLISHERS 

f14 

FIFTH AVENUE 

Condon NEW YORK IRontreal 



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THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

FEB 9 1903 

Copyright Entry 

CUSS ' «- XXc. No. 

COPY B. 



Copyright, 1902, 

by 

THE 

Hbbey press. 



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I • » 






FOREWORD. 

1 HE following story of a Chinese girl was 
written with the hope of entertaining and at 
the same time giving a glimpse of life in distant 

China. 

The story held such bright promises of a de- 
lightful yet simple dramatic entertainment that 
by request it was dramatized and the author 
takes pleasure in saying that the success of the 
drama was only made possible by the many 
ideas and suggestions furnished by the mem- 
bers of the History and Literature Department 
of the Palmetto Club of Daytona, Florida. 






THE REWARD 

OF 
FILIAL PIETY. 



THE REWARD OF FILIAL PIETY. 



PwANG-LU was scarcely five years old when 
her father, a mandarin of the second degree, 
incurring the Imperial displeasure, was ban- 
ished 2,000 li from home to the wilds of Sz' 
Chien. Here, amid the rugged mountains, 
Pwang-lu grew to know the birds and love the 
flowers. She sat beside the purling streams 
and made wreaths of the wild azaleas. For 
her the years passed as peach blossom days, 
but not so for Ko-nang, her father ; he sat long- 
hours beneath the drooping cypress trees, lost 
in melancholy dreams. Yet never had he 
ceased to hope for some token of forgiveness 
from the Son of Heaven; but none had come. 
At the altar of the Great Mother Ko-nang had 
burned much incense and many paper dragons, 

3 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

and earnestly prayed for Heaven's greatest 
blessing, a son, but none had been given. 

Pwang-lu remained the only child. She 
v^as now sixteen, still wearing her jet black 
hair unbound; her dark brown eyes looked 
softly out from her straight, slender brows. 
She toddled gracefully about on her small, 
dainty feet, and when she laughed her eyes 
shone and her soft crimson lips formed a most 
bewitching bow. 

The fame of her beauty had spread through- 
out the mountains, and go-betweens had sent 
Ko-nang many red cards asking for his fair 
pearl, whose beauty surpassed the bright gold 
in the ore and outshone the polished jade; but 
all these cards had been disdainfully returned. 
Now, however, a card of proposal had come 
from Pe-king, sent by a loyal friend acting as 
go-between. That this new suitor was an old 
man with two wives beyond the Yellow 
Springs made no impression on Ko-nang; he 
smiled as again and again he read the vermil- 
ion card. Here at last was the chance he 
longed for. Surely Heaven, that had frowned 
so long, was smiling now. Pwang-lu married 
to a mandarin — ah! what else could it mean 

4 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

but that her father would be forgiven and once 
more wear the crimson-tasseled hat of state. 
However, there were difficulties still to be over- 
come. Le Wung, the aged suitor, refused to 
sign the necessary cards unless Ko-nang would 
bring them to the go-between in Pe-king, but 
Ko-nang was banished, and discovery in Pe- 
king meant death. Still he was willing to 
risk even life itself for the possible chance of 
obtaining the favor of the young Emperor. 

When Ko-nang told his venerable father of 
his plans the old man shook his head, refused 
his consent, insisting that nothing could be well 
done unless he accompanied his son. In vain 
Ko-nang represented to his sire that he was too 
infirm to take the long journey without attend- 
ants, and even then the exposure and fatigue 
might result in sickness, even hasten death. 
With tears in his eyes, Ko-nang begged that he 
be allowed to go alone, but his father's determi- 
nation was not to be shaken. So it was with a 
heavy heart and many misgivings that Ko- 
nang told his wife to make all ready to start 
on the long journey to the capital — the journey 
that might end in disgrace and death. 

Pwang-lu, of course, accompanied them, but 

5 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 



they took no servants and did not tell their 
names, doing everything possible to keep Ko- 
nang's identity concealed. 

After a toilsome journey over the mountains 
of Sz' Chien they reached the river, and then 
for many days they traveled tediously up the 
Grand Canal. The boat moved slowly and 
there was ample time for Pwang-lu to enjoy 
the scenes about her. On both sides of the 
canal stretched endless fields of tender green 
rice, among which men and women labored, 
and in the distance, on the blue tinged hills, 
were busy tea-gatherers harvesting the second 
crop of leaves. Near by, at the water's edge, 
flocks of noisy geese were feeding. Little 
houses stood grouped in clustering villages 
among the fields, sheltered by thick clumps of 
tall bamboo. Here and there hibiscus flaunted 
their big red blossoms in the sunshine, and pop- 
pies and peonies vied with them in brilliancy. 
But there was no joy in Pwang-lu's eyes. For 
many days she had listlessly watched such 
scenes, but now as they neared Pe-king there 
was much more to be seen. The Pei-ho was 
crowded with boats and the walls and towers 
of the city could be plainly see, but Pwang-lu 



The Rewar d of Filial Piety. 

scarcely looked at them. What did she care 
for boats and towers — indeed, what did she 
care for anything; what pleasure did life hold? 
For long hours must she read the mysterious 
books of the sages to her nodding grandfather, 
then for tedious hours more fan him while he 
slept. Then help her mother steam the rice 
and boil the fish, and meekly bear her irritable 
father's censuring words — this was her present 
life, and she thought it very dismal, but at least 
its worst was known — her mother loved and 
sheltered her and the grandfather was not un- 
kind, but the future? It was, indeed, dreary; 
the wife of an old man, the servant of his sons 
and grandsons, the only object on which these 
sons' wives could vent their cherished whims 
and revenge the ill-usage they as young wives 
had received. 

These gloomy thoughts occupied Pwang- 
lu's mind as in a slow, lifeless tone she read 
the Book of Odes to her venerable grand- 
father ; she paused and laid down the book to 
wipe away the tears that dimmed her eyes. 
Chung Lee made no sign; he was asleep. 
'Twang-lu, my daughter," called a soft 
voice from the little bamboo shelter on the 

7 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

barge, "does your beloved grandfather wish 
you to stay with him now?" 

"No, mother," answered Pwang-lu; "he is 
asleep and the gentle west wind fans him to- 
day." 

"Then, my child, come here; there is much 
work yet to be done. Your honored father 
hopes to reach the house of Junk-lu, who has 
acted so nobly as go-between, before the sun 
sleeps in the west." 

"But will he go to Pe-king before the dark- 
ness comes?" asked Pwang-lu, wonderingly. 

"Junk-lu's noble residence is not in the city, 
but on a beautiful spot a whole li above the 
town. And there, this very night, must our 
ancestral tablets be placed in position and the 
candles and incense made ready, for your noble 
father is anxious to sign the vermilion cards 
early in the morning." 

"After they are signed," asked Pwang-lu, 
with a wistful look in her sad, brown eyes, 
"nothing can stop the marriage?" 

"No, my child ; nothing but death or the 
Emperor's decree." 

Pwang-lu sighed. 

Her mother heard and saw her sadness ; but 

8 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

what could she do ! Pwang-lu must marry, all 
girls must have husbands, and her father and 
grandfather both approved of the aged Le 
Wung; surely they knew best. So, with a 
philosophy born of experience and much yield- 
ing to others, she suppressed a sigh, and hastily 
taking a basket filled with bright bits of crim- 
son paper handed it to Pwang-lu, saying: 

''Now, while we have time, let us work rap- 
idly; six more of the bridal roses must be fin- 
ished to-night, for your father will return the 
noble Le Wung's cards early to-morrow, and 
these must be ready to accompany them." 

In her heart Pwang-lu rebelled and hasty 
words rose to her lips, but with wise counsel 
her mother checked them, saying that through 
the intercession of the aged mandarin her 
father might be pardoned and this hope was his 
only joy in life. 

Then, holding up a finished rose, she ex- 
claimed, brightly, "See how beautiful it is! 
The wives of Le Wung's sons will wear these 
and be delighted at your skill in making them." 

Pwang-lu was young. The crimson roses 
grew like magic under her dainty hands; they 
were pretty, and the symbols of marriage and 

9 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

joy. She smiled, w'hen putting one in her 
gHstening black hair, her mother clasped her 
hands, exclaiming: 

*'0h, lovelier than sunshine !" Then added, 
fervently : ''May Heaven grant that some day 
you may wear them, a grateful tribute from a 
son's wife." 

The flowers were finished, and as Pwang-Iu 
rose her mother said : 

"I am afraid, my child, that without more 
practice you may not bow properly to the illus- 
trious Junk-lu and his family." 

Then, at her mother's direction, Pwang-lu, 
with eyes demurely on the floor, clasped her 
hands and with slow dignity performed low, 
ceremonious bows. 

Hardly was this rehearsal over when Ko- 
nang, entering, bade his wife and daughter 
make ready to disembark, as they were ap- 
proaching the landing near the home of Junk- 
lu. 

Pwang-lu's first duties were to bring tea and 
to gently awaken her aged grandfather. Then 
she must assist in the preparations for landing, 
but, traveling unknown and in lowly style, they 
had little with them besides their robes of cere- 

to 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

mony and presents for the go-between and the 
bridegroom's family. It was still light when 
they landed and reached the residence of Junk- 
lu, where, with much bowing and clasping of 
hands and protestations of good-will and af- 
fection, the two families were presented to each 
other and the exile made welcome. The mere 
fact of receiving him was a treasonable act, so 
his name was never mentioned. 

After the evening meal, which Pwang-lu, to- 
gether with the other females of the household, 
ate in the small inner sitting-room, she began 
talking with Tak-ki, the wife of the youngest 
of Junk-lu's sons. She had been living under 
the roof of her father-in-law just three months, 
and into Pwang-lu's sympathetic ear she 
poured all her miseries, telling of the harsh, 
unjust treatment she received from her mother- 
in-law and three sisters-in-law. To all of this 
Pwang-lu listened with ready sympathy; it 
only confirmed her own gloomy views of mar- 
ried life. This delightfully satisfying confi- 
dence between the two girls was brought to a 
hasty close, as Pwang-lu's mother called her to 
assist in arranging the altar. Junk-lu loaned 
a beautiful carved table, which was placed in 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

the large outer assembly room opposite his own 
family altar. A fine silken cover was carefully 
spread over it. Then, with due ceremony, the 
ancestral tablets were placed in order, red can- 
dles put in the holders and sticks of fragrant 
incense placed in bronze vases. Bowls of un- 
cooked rice and prunes, and garlands of the 
crimson roses added brightness to the whole. 
Then Junk-Iu placed the vermilion cards in 
a conspicuous place and all was ready to sign 
them early in the morning. 

It had been a busy and an anxious day, and 
soon silence settled over the dwelling and the 
household slept — all but Pwang-lu. She 
closed her eyes and lay very still, but she could 
not sleep. How could she, when with the ris- 
ing of to-morrow's sun her life would be irre- 
vocably united with a man whom she knew was 
old and ugly and she felt sure he was cross and 
disagreeable. Then, he had married sons, and 
she would be subject to them and their wives 
and their sons. She shuddered at the thought, 
opened her eyes and looked around. It was 
very dark and very still. She sat up. Then, 
led by a strange impulse, dressed herself and 
slipping her toes into her little felt shoes, wit? 

i2 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

short, tottering steps walked to the door. She 
closed it softly after her and stood out in the 
night air. It was warmed by the breath of 
summer and radiant with the full moon's lus- 
trous light. Hibiscus and great red peonies 
filled the garden, and clusters of pink hy- 
drangeas glistened in the moonlight. She 
walked down the path and stood silently be- 
neath a drooping willow, whose long fringes 
dipped into the waters of a little pond. Repos- 
ing on its clear bosom were stately water-lilies, 
their fragrant petals closed, but their subtle 
perfume was wafted far, filling the quivering 
summer air and like a strange incense stealing 
to Pwang-lu's brain. She turned from the 
sleeping lilies and walked hurriedly to the riv- 
er's edge. A boat of light bamboo was moored 
to a stake; her little feet ached, she stepped 
into the boat and sat there gazing over the 
broad stream and up into the clear heavens, 
where the full moon hung like a great ball of 
silver light. She watched the big white rabbit 
in the moon as he pounded out the rice for the 
beautiful maidens who dwelt there, and dream- 
ily wondered if they were forced to marry ugly 
old men whom they loathed as she did the old 

t5 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

mandarin. But her father and grandfather 
both said she must marry and — there was but 
one alternative. She shuddered and gazed 
half-frightened over the waters. They looked 
strangely dark and even cold; how silent it 
would be beneath the noiseless waves. She 
sat a long time thus pondering and dreaming. 
When suddenly turning to look up at the sym- 
pathetic moon, which seemed to stand over the 
willow sharing her melancholy thoughts, she 
saw the moon was gone. She turned quickly ; 
no, the moon still hung over the willow tree, 
but her light boat had broken from its moor- 
ings and was drifting with the current of the 
stream. Pwang-lu was filled with terror. 
Alone upon the deep river at dead of night, 
what dreadful fate might befall her. To give 
up life herself seemed strangely fascinating, 
but to be rudely drowned seemed so different, 
so terrifying. She seized a bamboo pole and 
tried to steer the light craft to the shore, but 
she had neither strength nor skill for the work 
and made no headway against the tide. Still, 
with all her power she labored, when, hearing 
the soft strains of a lute, she turned to look 
behind her, and saw the whole river was ablaze 

H 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

with light. It shone from a hundred lanterns 
and glittered on the gilded dragon that formed 
the prow of a great barge, which a score of 
trained rowers silently but swiftly propelled 
over the moonlit waves. A singer's voice rang 
out on the still air, and clouds of fragrant in- 
cense floated upward. 

Pwang-lu gazed in wide-eyed amazement, 
then suddenly there came the thought: ''The 
golden dragon, the yellow banners — it is the 
Son of Heaven himself." 

Then followed in quick succession pictures 
of her father executed and she — oh, wretched 
girl ! Why had she even for one short moment 
thought of disobeying her honorted father! 
This was Heaven's swift punishment upon her. 
Tears of remorse and terror filled her eyes. 
She sat down and covered her face. 

The barge drew nearer. A tall eunuch sta- 
tioned at the bow saw the frail skiff drifting 
on the tide and so informed the captain of the 
barge. Then, at a wish from the Throne, the 
boat was brought to the side and the occupant 
ordered to step forth. Pwang-lu, half-frenzied 
with fear, endeavored to hide, and clung to the 
bottom of the skiff. The eunuch stooped, raised 

15 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

her in his strong arms and put the terrified girl 
at the foot of the throne. She kneeled down, 
clasping her little hands, and bent her tear- 
stained face to the floor. 

A voice, commanding but kind, bade her 
look up. Fearfully she raised her head; her 
eyes were dazzled by the brilliant light that 
streamed in every direction. High on a throne 
draped with gorgeous yellow satin and covered 
by a canopy stiff with gold embroidery, his face 
now shielded from her view by a thin curtain 
of the same royal color, sat Suestsong, the 
emperor of all China. By his side was a lady 
resplendent in robes of many colored satin and 
gorgeous with rich embroideries; grouped 
about them were men and women only a trifle 
less magnificently arrayed. 

"Who is the maiden ? What is your father's 
name?" asked the emperor. 

Pwang-lu bowed her head to the ground ; 
her heart was almost still with terror. Then, 
scarcely lifting her head, in a low tone she 
faltered : 

"Oh, most honored Son of Heaven, the hum- 
ble name of your poor servant is Pwang-lu 



i6 



5> 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

"Tell your father's name," said a mandarin 
standing near. 

Again Pwang-lu bowed her head, and with 
trembling hesitation answered: 

"I cannot tell my father's name." 

The mandarin opened wide his dark, dreamy 
eyes. 

"What! Cannot tell your father's name? 
Is the daughter ashamed of him who gave her 
Hfe?" 

"Maiden, tell your father's name." It was 
the emperor who spoke. 

Pwang-lu again bent her face to the floor; 
then with a courage born of desperation she 
looked up and answered in a clear, firm tone: 

"Oh, most exalted Son of Heaven, I cannot 
tell my father's name." 

The courtiers looked in horrified amazement ; 
the emperor started on his throne; he waved 
aside the silken veil, he would look nearer at 
this girl. 

"Maiden," he said, sternly, "do you not 
know that to disobey the Imperial command 
means death?" 

"Yes, oh. World Honored! I know, and at 
thy word I will give my life ; but I cannot tell 

i7 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

my father's name. Years ago was he banished 
by thy gracious father, our Eternal Joy, but 
now for a short time has he left the land of 
exile, and were it known it would cost his life, 
and I would gladly give my poor life for him." 

Then with firm hands she unclasped her 
gown, baring her neck and breast, and turning 
to the tall eunuchs, with their keen cimeters, 
she bade them strike. 

Suestsong saw the brightness of her fearless 
eyes, the crimson flush that gathered in her 
cheeks, and softer than the empress' robe was 
her warm, round throat. The emotionless 
eunuchs drew their glittering blades and waited 
the Imperial command. 

The empress murmured : "She is very 
young." 

Suestsong looked upon her as if he loved to 
see her as she stood there. Then he said, 
slowly : 

"But, my brave child, suppose the Imperial 
Grace would forgive your father?" 

In an instant Pwang-lu's courage and calm 
were gone; tears filled her eyes, and trembling 
she sank at the foot of the throne. 

"Oh, most gracious Son of Heaven!" she 

^8 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

sobbed, *'that is the dream of his life ; for that 
hope alone he lives. Forgive him, and how 
gladly would I die!" 

There was a kindly light in the emperor's 
eyes. 

"Such filial piety as this," he said, "must not 
go without reward, a father so honored must 
be worthy of trust; and no matter what his 
crime he is forgiven, and again shall he wear 
the red hat of state; and you whom Heaven 
has made so beautiful, shall be married to some 
young mandarin of the capital, and there amid 
gardens of azaleas and lilies shall you dwell, 
blessed among women." 



19 



THE REWARD 

OF 
FILIAL PIETY. 



21 



INTRODUCTORY. 

How many times have college girls and club 
women searched for some interesting play that 
would make an appropriate and effective en- 
tertainment, and how often have they searched 
in vain? Plays usually include male char- 
acters, which, by reason of their dress, few 
women would care to act, and those written 
entirely for female parts exhibit a depressing 
paucity of plot and point. 

The Reward of Filial Piety overcomes 
both these difficulties; for though introducing 
male characters, the style of dress worn by 
the men of China is such that women can take 
their parts most successfully. Recent events 
having brought China so prominently before 
the public, it seems appropriate that it should 
furnish the drama for which women have 
waited. Indeed the play may be said to be 
the outgrowth of a club's study of Chinese 
history. It was written for the History De- 

23 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

partment of the Palmetto Club, of Daytona, 
Fla., and first given in public January 31st, 
1902, by the women of that organization. It 
was played before a crowded house composed 
mainly of tourists gathered from all parts of 
the United States, and was most enthusias- 
tically received. 

While intended primarily for acting by wo- 
men alone, there is enough call for fine dra- 
matic action to engage the best abilities of any 
amateur actor, and of course the different 
qualities of a man's voice would add to the 
male parts. 

The scenery and stage furnishings are very 
simple and easily procured. 

The entertainment opens with a Chinese 
Orchestra, in which the entire company is 
seated on the stage, each having some musical, 
instrument, and playing as badly as possible, 
regardless of time and tune. A few minutes 
of this orchestra's playing is usually sufficient, 
and it is rarely encored. However, it forms a 
fine introduction. 

The drama proper closes with the words of 
the Empress, "Let the court musicians make 
glad music," and may conclude with a short 

24 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

instrumental selection, followed by the 
"Praises of the Emperor and Empress." This 
scene, however, especially with colored lights, 
is very brilliant, and will make a most beau- 
tiful background for additional music, songs, 
fancy danchig, tableaux, or any other feature 
the talent or inclination of the actors may de- 
cide to introduce. 



25 




CHAO. 



DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 

SuESTSONG Emperor of China 

Ko-NANG An Exiled Mandarin 

Chung Lee Father of Ko-nang 

JuNK-LU "Go-between" 

Kuo-PiN A Mandarin 

Wu Empress of China 

Chad Wife of Ko-nang 

PwANG-LU Daughter of Ko-nang 

Wu Lang Wife of Junk-lu 

Tak-ki Wife of Junk-lu's son 

Attendants, Servants, etc. Scene, China. 
Time, Fifteenth Century. Chinese Orchestra. 



27 



SYNOPSIS. 

ACT L 

Scene, Province of Sz'Chien, woods near 
the home of Ko-nang. Cards of proposal for 
the marriage of his daughter. 

ACT 11. 

Scene, Interior of barge on river near Pe- 
king. Preparing the bridal roses. Arrival at 
Peking. 

ACT III. 

Scene, home of Junk-lu (the go-between) 
at Peking. Welcoming the guests. Worship 
of Ancestral Tablets. 

ACT IV. 

Scene, Emperor's garden near Peking. 
Pwang-lu's resolve. The Emperor's Court. 
Filial devotion. The reward. 

Music. 

28 



COSTUMES. 

The garments, being loose and flowing, are 
easily made. The general effect should be 
bright and strong; even startling colors will 
in these costumes produce fine and harmonious 
effects. 

The men's costumes all have dark narrow 
skirts, reaching to the ankles, and slit up six 
inches at the sides; over these are worn loose 
jackets of various colors and shapes, some 
reaching to the knee, others only to the waist, 
while some wear both long and short jackets. 
This should be done when the short upper one 
is of yellow. 

The Emperor wears a narrow skirt, long rich 
colored robe to feet, yellow dragons on front; 
yellow jacket, yellow hat, ornamented with 
brilliants, jewels and beads around neck. 

Ko-nang and Chung Lee are plainly dressed 

29 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

at first, but in Act Third change to richer cos- 
tumes. Chung Lee uses staff, and wears red 
hat of mandarin. 

Junk-hi and the court attendants all wear 
bright rich colors, red hats, beads and a few 
wear yellow jackets denoting princely rank. 

Servants, smooth faces, dark skirts, blue 
jackets, aprons made of a square of white cloth 
pinned over jacket reaching eighteen inches be- 
low waist. 

The men wear wigs which cover all the hair, 
the front around the queue being made of cloth 
to imitate the shaved head. These may be 
rented in any of the large cities for about fifty 
cents each. The moustaches are thin and 
drooping: they may be painted on with very 
good effect. 

The shoes have thick white soles; they may 
be purchased in any of the large cities for less 
than a dollar. 

The women wear narrow skirts, kimonos 
short or to the knees. They may be closed, 
or open, showing vests of rich colors, and are 
all elaborately trimmed with beads, jewels and 
bands of embroidery. 

The Empress wears narrow satin skirt, long 

30 



The Reward of Filial Piery. 

robe of yellow richl}' embroidered. Head 
dress of pearls; rings and jewels. 

Chao and Pwang-lu wear red and blue cot- 
ton gowns during first and second acts, but 
change to handsomer ones in third act. 

All other women wear bright elaborate cos- 
tumes; shoes same as men. All must have 
black hair, or cover it to appear so. It is orna- 
mented with bows, beads and fancy pins. 



THE MAKE-UP. 

All eyebrows are blackened and made to 
slant upward as much as possible; lips bright 
red, and brilliant spots of color on cheek bones. 
Faces powdered with ''brunette powder." 




Si 



1 




33 



ACT I. 

The first act, for which a narrozv stage may 
be used, calls for a wood scene, a willow 
table, chair, teapot, cup and book, the latter 
to be decorated with Chinese characters in 
red and black. The ''cards of proposal" are 
made of red cardboard with black characters 
on them, and wrapped in red paper. 

Scene. — Province of Ss'Chien, wood near 
house of Ko-NANG. Ko-NANG discovcrcd 
sitting at table, center front, on which are 
teapot, cup and book. 

Ko-NANG {throws down book). Of what 
use is it to read? Even Confucius can give 
me no pleasure. (Rises, walks up and down.) 
Ten weary years have I passed in exile, far 
from companions and friends. In these wilds 
my days are spent in vain regret and unfruitful 

35 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

hope, and my nights in melancholy contempla- 
tion. Life holds no joy. I have even been 
denied a son. Pwang-lu is my only child, and 
exiled in this wilderness, what hope have I of 
properly marrying her? 

{Enter Chad, R., holding large red 
card; goes to Ko-nang, hows slight- 
ly.) 

Chad. My honored husband, Wang-te, act- 
ing as go-between, has just brought this card 
of proposal from the young Pu Sung, and 
humbly begs that you will favorably consider 
it. 

Ko-NANG {haughtily). Pu Sung! {Takes 
card, reads, facing front.) Most noble sir. 
Heaven has blessed you with a beautiful 
daughter, fairer than the lustrous pearls, and 
lovelier than bright gold in the ore, and her 
hand I ask in marriage to the young Pu Sung. 
He is stalwart and tall of stature, and of great 
intelligence. He has planted many mulberry 
trees, and will build — {stops suddenly) — I 
have not the patience to read such proposals — 
to think of me, once a mandarin of the second 
degree, of me who have often attended the Em- 
peror, even the mighty Wu Zoung himself; to 

36 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

have my daughter married to such a low-born 
one? Not for one moment {throws card 
down) will I consider it. 

(Chad picks up card, speaks timidly.) 
Chao. The young Pu Sung is better off, and 
more able to marry than most of the young 
men in Sz'Chien. 

Ko-NANG {impatiently). Perhaps; but no 
man in Sz'Chien will I consider. 

{Exit Chao. Ko-nang paces impatient- 
ly up and down.) 
Ko-NA^G. Pu Sung, indeed! These low- 
born ones think to take advantage of my mis- 
fortunes to ally themselves with a noble family ; 
but they shall learn that though humiliated and 
deprived of wealth and rank, the soul of Ko- 
NANG has not been brought down to their 
level. {With much emphasis.) Never will I 
consent to such a marriage, never! 

(Enter Chad, bringing red package. 
{Approaches Ko-nang.) 
Chad. Here, my honored husband, is an- 
other message for you. It has just arrived 
from Peking. 

Ko-NANG. From Peking! {Takes pack- 
age, hurriedly opens it, discovers red card and 

37 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 



note; reads to himself.) Ah! (smiles) now 
this is from one of equal rank; this is to be 
considered (reads more, smiles) ; this will I 
accept. ( T'urnifig to Chad. ) Make the mes- 
senger welcome, press him to remain. (Exit 
Chad.) At least I have one friend. Junk-lu 
has ever been faithful ; and now acts as go-be- 
tween for Le Wung, a mandarin. (Smiles.) 
Yes, a mandarin ! Ah, yet again shall I know 
happiness; and yet again wear the red hat 
of office. (Sits down, reads note again; says 
slowly, as if in deep thought.) Le Wung will 
not sign the cards unless I take them to Pe- 
king, but how can I, an exile, take them? 
But it must be done (emphatically), and I 
will risk my life a dozen times to marry 
Pwang-lu to the noble old Le Wung, for 
through his intercession I may again enjoy the 
Imperial smile. 

(Enter Chung Lee, Chad ayid 
PwANG-LU : Chung Lee leans on 
cane, and Chad and Pwang-lu as- 
sist him. Ko-nang rises, bozvs, 
offers seat to father. Chung Lee 
sits, others stand.) 
Ko-nang. Sit here, my honored father. 

38 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

You are most welcome, now, for I have good 
news to tell. A mandarin has offered to marry 
Pwang-lu (Chad and Pwang-lu show sur- 
prise), if I will take the cards to Peking to 
be signed; so I must go alone secretly. 
(Chung Lee interrupts shakes his head.) 

Chung Lee. You cannot go alone. I will 
accompany you. 

Ko-NANG. But, my honored father, the way 
is long and the journey will be tedious. You 
could not travel without attendants. 

Chung Lee {motions tozvard Chao and 
Pwang-lu). They can go with us. 

Ko-NANG (looks horrified). But we might 
be discovered; much better that I go 

Chung Lee (emphatically). Do not argue 
with your venerable father, I say we must 
all four go to Peking. 

Ko-NANG (turns to Chad resignedly). Go 
then, make all ready for the journey, for we 
must start at once. 

Curtain. 



39 



1 



ACT II. 



4( 



ACT II. 

The second act is m a barge and requires a 
plain interior scene with a window opening 
on a river view. The furnishings are an arm- 
chair, stool, some seats, a small table and 
basket containing red paper roses, a few of 
them unfinished; the book same as in iirst 
act. 

Scene. — Time, afternoon. Chung Lee dis- 
covered sitting in armchair, R. near 
front, feet on stool, wrapped in shawls. 
PwANG-LU sits at his feet, holds book, 
looks dismal. ' 

Chung Lee. Do not stop, child, but con- 
tinue to read; those verses were written by 
the wisest of men, and much wisdom is con- 
tained in every line. (Chung Lee nods and 
sleeps. ) 

Pwang-lu reads: 

43 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

Life is a strange^ mysterious thing, 

We know not whence it comes, nor what 't will 

bring; 
But this we know whenever a good man dies 
And his free spirit mounts the distant skies, 
A second spirit a long watch keeps 
In the pale body, and forever sleeps. 
But yet a third kind spirit lingers near 
And dwells in the ancestral tablet here. 
Thus the first lesson of the child should be 
To bow his head and bend his knee 
As incense burns and prayers are said 
Before the tablets of the dead. 

PwANG-LU. I cannot read : the page is 
blurred before my eyes. I can only think of 
this old man whom I must marry {rises). 
Mandarin indeed! (walks to left). What 
though he were twenty times a mandarin ? He 
is old and ugly and disagreeable. And he has 
five married sons, and to them and their wives 
and their sons (sighs) must I humbly bow, 
and serve them for years and years (wipes 
a^way tears). Oh, I shall have no pleasure 
(sinks on stool). I would rather die. 

(Enter Chao, L. side.) 
44 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

Chao. Does your beloved grandfather sleep 
now, my child? 

PwANG-LU. Yes, mother, he sleeps. 

(Chad takes from table the basket of 
paper roses, sits near center, puts bas- 
ket on small table, zvorks on roses.) 
Chad. Then, my child, he does not need 
your attention; so now, while we have time, 
we must work rapidly, for to-night the bridal 
roses must be finished. Early in the morning 
your honored father would return the noble 
Le Wung's cards, and these must be ready to 
accompany them. 

PwANG-»LU (rises reluctantly, advances a 
few steps). When the vermilion cards are 
signed, nothing can stop the marriage ? 

Chad. No, my child, nothing but death or 
the Emperor's decree. 

(PwANG-LU goes to table, sighs and be- 
gins slowly to w\ork. Chao holds 
out some roses.) 
Chao. Here, take these; we can soon finish 
them, but, my daughter, do not look so sad. 

PwANG-LU. Oh, but I feel so sad. (With 
sudden energy.) Why cannot girls marry as 
they please? 

45 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

Chao (much shocked). Talk not so fool- 
ishly, child. Is not your honored father wiser 
than you? Does he not know whom it is best 
for you to marry? 

PwANG-LU. Y-e-s, but I would like to have 
the privilege of pleasing myself and marry a 
man whom I liked. 

Chao. What do you know of men? What 
sort of man would you marry? 

PwANG-LU. Well, at least he would not 
be ugly and have five married sons (fhrozvs 
down roses passionately). Oh, I detest the old 
mandarin ! I would rather die than marry him. 

Chao (holds up hands, much shocked). My 
child! You must not talk so. Suppose your 
noble grandfather should chance to hear such 
unfilial words? 

PwANG-LU. Oh, but indeed, indeed; I mean 
them. 

Chao. Oh, wilful, wilful child ! You should 
be most happy, for through your noble hus- 
band your honored father may be pardoned, 
and again hold office ; and you would have to 
marry someone, for all girls must have hus- 
bands. See how beautiful these are (holds up 
finished roses). They will glisten in the jet 

46 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

black hair of Le Wung's daughters-in-law and 
they will be delighted at your skill in making 
them (seniles). Come, do not be so sad, my 
child (holds up a bunch of the roses). See, 
they are lovelier than sunshine. 

'PwANG-LU {smiles sadly). Yes, the roses 
are very pretty ; if only the old mandarin were 
not so ugly. 

Chad. Hush, child, here comes your father. 

PwANG-LU. Oh ! {sits down and begins hur- 
riedly to work on roses. ) 

{Enter Ko-nang, L. side, approaches 
center.) 

Ko-NANG {to Chad). Our journey is al- 
most over; we are about to land. {To 
PwANG-LU.) Waken your noble grandfather, 
t'ike him some tea. {Exit Pwang-lu.) 
(Takes up some of the roses.) What! Are 
not the bridal roses finished yet ? 

Chad (hurriedly). Indeed, noble sir, they 
are all ready but one, and this will I finish 
immediately. 

(Enter Pwang-lu with two cups.) 

Chao (timidly). Are they not pretty and 
well made? 

Ko-nang. Oh, they will do. 

47 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

PwANG-LU (hands tea). Will you not take 
a cup of tea, my father? 

(Ko-NANG sits and drinks tea, Chao 
stands. Pwang-lu goes to Chung 
Lee.) 
Ko-NANG (to Chao). Have you carefully 
packed the cards, incense and candles? 
Chao (bows). Yes, my husband. 

(Ko-NANG walks to back of stage, looks 
from windozv as though watching 
preparations of boatmen for land- 
ing. ) 
PwANG-Lu. Grandfather, my honored 
grandfather ! We are nearing Peking and are 
about to land. 

Chung Lee (as though azvakened from 
sleep). About to land, did you say? Have we 
reached Peking? 

PwANG-LU. Yes, noble sir, we are about to 
land. Make me glad by drinking this little cup 
of tea. (Chung Lee drinks.) Let me put 
your wraps closer about you, for the sun sinks 
to rest, and the evening wind blows cool. 

(Chao stands arranging roses.) 

Ko-NANG (impatiently). Why do you not 

gather our belongings together? Make all 

48 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

things ready that we may land without delay, 
but forget nothing and take special care of the 
presents for the noble Junk-lu; soon we shall 
be at his home. But (looking impressively 
-first at Chao, then at Pwang-lu) above all 
things remember you must never tell my name, 
for were it known that I had left Sz'Chien, it 
would cost my life. 

Chad. I will never tell your noble name. 

PwANG-LU. Nor I, my father. 

Curtain. 



49 



ACT III, 



5t 










3 
Z 



u 

o 
u 






ACT III. 

Act Third, being the home of a mandarin, 
should be a somewhat more elaborate inte- 
rior, and decorated zmth growing palms, 
Chinese fans, panels, etc. The furniture 
consists of a small table, teapot and cups, a 
chess table and men, a chair and low stools. 
The altar is a rather low table, the cover 
some light silk that reaches to the floor. 

The ancestral tablets are covered with red 
paper, and decorated in black and gilt. The 
roses are the same as in the second act, and 
are to decorate the altar; the incense comes 
in sticks and is placed in vases, the candle- 
sticks are brass dragons with red candles. 
The ''vermilion cards" have red strings, and 
are decorated with a dragon on one and a 
phoenix on the other. There are also two 
small dishes of uncooked rice and prunes. 

63 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

The gong is the ordinary Chinese dinner 
gong. There should he soft music during 
the ceremony of preparing the altar. 
Scene. — House of Junk-lu, near Peking; 
JuNK-Lu discovered sitting by table play- 
ing chess, center front; Wu Lang sitting 
on stool, R. front, embroidering on frame; 
Tak-ki, also embroidering, sits on Hoor 
extreme R. 

{Enter Servant.) 
Servant. O Honored Master, guests now 
approach. 

{Enter Chung Lee, Ko-nang, Chad, 

and PwANG-LU. Junk-lu and family 

rise; Junk-lu stands near center 

front, clasps his hands and shakes 

them. ) 

Junk-lu. Oh, my long absent friends! 

My heart rejoices to see you! Welcome to 

my poor dwelling {all exclaim, *'Oh, no! 

Beautiful!") and all that it contains. Each 

one {looks at each in turn) is most welcome. 

This {indicating Chad and hawing) is your 

beautiful daughter? (Chad bows.) 

Ko-nang. No, that is only my miserable 
wife. 

54 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

JuNK-LU. Impossible! The years have 
passed as peach blossom days, each one adding 
only youth and beauty. (Junk-lu and Chad 
bou.\ shake own hands.) 

Ko-NANG (addressing Junk-lu). I did not 
know you had a daughter. Ah ! a son's bride, 
I suppose. (Bows to Wu Lang^ zvho bows 
very low.) 

Junk-lu. Oh, no! That is only my in- 
significant wife. 

Ko-NANG (hozvs, shakes own hands). Your 
beauty exceeds the noonday sun. 

Junk-lu. And this (indicates Tak-ki^ who 
also hows low) is my unfortunate son's new 
married wife. 

Ko-NANG. May you be the ancestor of a 
hundred children and a thousand grandchild- 
ren. (Tak-ki hows very lozv.) 

Wu Lang (to Chung Lee and Ko-nang). 
Be so kind as to be seated in my poor dwelling. 
(All exclaim, "Beautiful! Most beautiful!") 
(Men sit.) (To Tak-ki.) Have the tea 
brought (exit Tak-ki) ; and you, too, madam, 
(to Chad) please sit and rest; but I fear you 
will find my chairs most uncomfortable, and 
my house poorly furnished. 

55 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

CuAO (holding up hands). Oh, no! Most 
comfortable ! Most beautiful ! 

(Chad and Pwang-lu both sit on low 
stools L. front.) 

Ko-NANG. Your furniture is of such rare 
beauty that I am filled with shame to think 
of my own wretched home. 

Chung Lee. Your house is a palace, with 
its lofty ceilings and carved walls. 

(Chung Lee holds tea, hut does not he- 
gin to drink directly.) 

JuNK-LU (to Chung Lee). It would please 
me to see you partake of my poor tea. Has 
your honorable health suffered from your te- 
dious journey? 

Chung Lee. Alas, alas! My bones ache, 
and I am very weary. (Sips tea.) Your tea is 
most refreshing. 

JuNK-LU. I am honored that anything of 
mine can give you pleasure. (To Ko-nang.) 
I hope you are comfortable, honored sir? 

Ko-nang. I am indeed most comfortable, 
and happy to be in your luxurious home on 
so joyful an occasion when you have proved 
your friendship for me in acting as go-between 



56 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

for the noble Le Wung and my unworthy 
daughter. I give you a thousand thanks. 

JuNK-LU. I am happy that my poor services 
should have been of use to you. This morning 
I received the vermilion cards from Le Wung : 
the noble mandarin is impatient for his lovely 
bride. (Looks at Pwang-lu, she turns away, 
shuddering. ) 

Ko-NANG. That is well. To-night must we 
arrange the altar. 

Wu Lang (rises). Now that you have 
been so good as to partake of my poor re- 
freshment (all exclaim, ''Oh, no, delicious, 
delicious!"), allow me to conduct you to the 
humble apartments you must occupy while in 
my forlorn home, that you may refresh your- 
selves, and lay aside your traveling garments. 

Ko-NANG. Your apartments will be most 
beautiful, we are sure. 

Chad. Beautiful ! Beautiful ! 

(Exeunt all but Tak-ki and Pwang- 
lu. Tak-ki stands near center 
front; Pwang-lu approaches.) 

PwANG-LU. You have been married only a 
short time, Tak-ki? 



57 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 



Tak-ki (sadly). Oh, it seems years to me, 



but 



been 



ily three months. 
PwANG-LU. Why does it seem so long? 
Tak-ki. Oh, the days go by Hke years. I 
have no pleasure; always must I serve others. 
My mother-in-law is so exacting. I married 
the youngest son, and I must serve all the 
others, and be the youngest wife for years 
and years and years, until Sui's baby son is 
old enough to marry. (Smiles.) Then his wife 
will be the youngest, and have to serve me. 
(Laughs.) But (sighs) that is a long (shakes 
head) time off. 

PwANG-LU (sighs, puts her hand on Tak- 
Ki's shoulder). Yes, yes, the life of the 
youngest wife is indeed sad. (Goes to L. 
front.) It seems to me it would be better to 
be dead and be at rest. 

(Enter Servant; approaches Pwang- 
LU, hows.) 
Servant. Your noble mother waits for you 
in her apartment. 

(PwANG-LU turns to go out. Enter 
Wu Lang.) 
Wu Lang (to Tak-ki severely). You are 
most neglectful of your duties. Go, show 

58 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

your father's guest to her room at once that 
she may array herself as becomes one of her 
rank. Soon she will be the wife of a noble 
mandarin. 

(Exeunt Tak-ki and Pwang-lu.) 
Wu Lang (turning to Servant). Come, 
do not be so slothful. (Pointing.) Here, re- 
move this table and this chair. 

(Enter another Servant.) 
Wu Lang (severely). Have you been sleep- 
ing that it took you so long to come? Here, 
the tea tr.ble must be moved, and do it with 
great care. Those cups are most valuable. 

(Servant picks vf stool and goes 
across stage. ) 
Wu Lang (impatiently). O foolish one! 
Put that stool down at once, and do as you 
are told. 

(Enter Chao.) 
Wu Lang. Alas! Alas! was ever woman 
afflicted with such servants? They are but 
slothful idiots. 

(Servants take out chess table, and 
move small table and stools to the 
side of stage. ) 
Wu Lang (to Chao). Y(ou seem sad, 

59 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

madam. Has something in my wretched 
home offended you, my best beloved friend? 

Chad (hurriedly). Oh no! no! everything 
is most dehghtfiil; but it distresses me to see 
Pwang-lu so sad and even rebelHng against 
the marriage with the noble L'e Wung. 

Wu Lang (astonished). But her father, the 
wisest of men, has decided. Surely she would 
not act unfilially! 

Chad (raises hands). Heaven forbid that 
my daughter should be lacking in filial piety, 
the greatest of all virtues. I know at heart 
she honors her noble father, and would die 
rather than displease him. 

Wu 'LAisiG (nods). I should hope so. Here 
they come now to arrange the altar. 

(Enter Chung Lee, Ko-nang, Junk- 
Lu and Servants carrying a table.) 

Ko-NANG (to Servants). Place the table 
here. (Servants put dozmi table, center 
front.) Here will we arrange the altar. 
(Wu Lang brings cover, she and Chad put 
it on altar.) Now will I place in position the 
ancestral tablets. (Chung Lee, assisted by 
Servants, hands tablets, Ko-nang bows, puts 



60 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

on altar. Turns to Chao.) Where are the 
candles and the incense? 

(Chao goes to R. side, and then Serv- 
ants assist Chung Lee to seat L. of 
altar, others stand on each side of 
altar. ) 
Chao (calling). Pwang-lu, bring the can- 
dles and incense from the inner apartment. 

(Enter Pwang-lu^ w)ith two lighted 
candles; kneels and hands them to 
Ko-NANG. Tak-ki brings sticks of 
incense in vases, kneels, gives to Ko- 
NANG^ he places on altar, turns to 
wife. ) 
Ko-NANG. Now bring the bridal roses and 
the offerings of rice and prunes. 

(Wu Lang hands little dishes of rice 
and prunes. Ko-nang puts them on 
altar. Chao hands roses, he places 
them; lights incense; Servant brings 
gong, hands to Ko-nang; Ko-nang 
strikes gong, all kneel and bow heads, 
hut do not touch floor; repeat striking 
of gong and bowing three times, 
then all rise; colored lights; soft 
music. JuNK-LU motions to Serv- 

6\ 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

ANT_, who brings two vermilion cards; 
JuNK-LU takes cards.) 
JuNK-LU. Now all is ready for us to sign 
the cards early in the morning. {Advances, 
holding them up, and places them on altar.) 

Ko-NANG {smiling). Early shall I be ready 
to sign the cards that will make Pwang-lu the 
wife of a mandarin. 

Curtain. 



.-K\3c;i8:i2CE;30iicxi«t 



MliS^iiic^Hfi^flE^ 



'_^V¥^' 



.,. W¥I^ 




62 



ACT IV. 



63 



ACT IV. 

The same scene and narrow stage as in the first 
act are used when Pwang-lu is on the stage 
alone. There is one rustic seat at L. front. 
Lights dm. There may be colored lights 
and very soft music. When she ''h^ars 
music" gong or guitar sounds in distance, 
growing louder. When she leaves the stage 
the scene is drawn aside, disclosing a large 
stage with garden scenery decorated zvith 
palms. Howlers and lanterns, and having tzvo 
raised seats zvith canopy of yellow at center 
back. Lights brilliant. The throne is the 
only furniture needed unless there is to be 
singing, etc., after the play concludes, then 
the court would be more comfortable seated 
on lozv stools, which during the first of the 
act may be placed in the wings. The Em- 
peror and Empress are each attended by 
fan bearers who also assist them to sit. 
There should be enough attendants to fill 
the stag^. 

65 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

Scene. — Garden near Peking, night, dim 
light. PwANG-LU enters R. rcualking 
slowly. 

PwANG-LU. Oh, I am very tired. I have 
wandered miles. I camiot rest; I can only 
think of that old man (sits dejectedly) whom 
my father and grandfather both say that I 
must marry, and I cannot disobey. (Rises 
slowly.) There is but one alternative — to end 
my life — to drown myself in the deep flowing 
river; but oh! beneath the cold waters 
(shudders) how dark and silent it will be! 
{^Pauses.) But there will be no ugly men or 
envious step-daughters to disturb my peace. 
Yes, to-night, before the moon has set, beneath 
the quiet waters of the river I shall be at rest. 
But the moon is almost down, and I must 
hasten to the river's embracing arms. (Goes a 
few steps to L., music sounds in distance.) 
Hark! I hear music; someone approaches. I 
must go quickly. (Goes to L.) For to be 
discovered here alone at night would indeed 
be terrible. 

(Exit PwANG-LU. Music grows louder. 
The wood scene is drawn aside, dis- 

■ LofC. 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

closing wide stage, throne and bril- 
liant lights.) 
Voice. Make way for the Emperor ! Make 
way for the Empress ! 

{Enter L. back, swordsmen, musicians, 

Emperor, Empress and attendants. 

They march around the stage to 

throne at center back; Emperor and 

Empress sit; attendants divide, part 

on each side of the throne, all kneel, 

bow heads to floor three times to the 

striking of the gong, rise and stand.) 

Emperor. Here will we rest while the maid 

who was found hiding in the garden is brought 

to the throne. She was fair to look upon, 

and the Son of Heaven would see her nearer. 

But to make the time fly swiftly, let us have 

sweet music. 

{Music.) 

{Enter attendants R. with Pwang-lu ; 

she holds back, much terrified, is 

brou'ght to the throne, falls on knees, 

bows head to floor.) 

Emperor. Who is the maiden? What is 

thy father's name? 

(PwANG-LU looks up hesitatingly.) 

67 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

PvvANG-LU. Oh, Mighty Son of Heaven, 
the humble name of your poor servant is 
Pwang-lu. 

Attendant (neai^ throne). Tell your 
father's name. 

PwANG-LU. I cannot tell my father's name. 

Emperor (sternly). Tell thy father's name. 

PwANG-LU. Oh, World Honored, I cannot 
tell my father's name. 

(Emperor starts, Empress shocked, all 
the court holds up hands, etc., much 
shocked.) 

Emperor {very severely) . Maiden, do you 
not know that to disobey the Imperial com- 
mand means death? 

PwANG-LU (bows, speaks zvith the courage 
of despair). Yes, Oh, Most Honored! I know 
and at thy word will I give my life, but I 
cannot tell my father's name. Years ago was 
he dismissed from office and banished; but 
now for a short time has he left the land of 
exile, and were it known it would cost his life ; 
and I v/ould gladly give my poor life for him. 
(She rises, turning to swordsmen, who draw 
swords.) Let the swordsmen strike! 

Empress (beseechingly, to Emperor). O 

68 



The Reward of Filial Piety 

most exalted Son of Heaven, be merciful! 
The child is very young. It was our revered 
master Confucius himself who taught that filial 
piety v^as greater than all other virtues, and it 
is only the maid's devotion to an honored but 
unfor,tunate father that causes her to disobey 
thy Imperial command. Spare her, O most il- 
lustrious Sovereign! Spare the child! 

Emperor (relenting). Yes^ she shows great 
filial devotion. (To Pwang-lu.) But, my 
brave child, if the Imperial mercy would for- 
give your father ? 

PwANG-LU (falls on knees). Oh, World 
Honored Son of Heaven ! That is the dream 
of his life; for that hope alone he lives. For- 
give him, and how gladly would I die ! 

Emperor. Such filial piety must not go 
without rew^ard, and no matter what his crime, 
your father is forgiven. 

PwANG-LU. Oh, World Honored, your 
gracious words are more than life itself. 

(All the court, bowing, exclaim: ''Most 
Gracious Son of Heaven! Most 
Noble Empress!'') 
(Enter Ko-nang and Chad, R., with 



69 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

lanterns; walk across stage ^ at front. 
Court sliozu surprise.) 
Ko-NANG and Chao. Pwang-lu! Pwang- 
lu! 

Ko-NANG. Long have we searched for the 
child. 

Both. Where can she be? 

(Suddenly see Emperor and court.) 
Ko-NANG (much agitated). The Emperor! 
(Prostrates himself L. of throne. 
Chao prostrates herself hack of Ko- 

NANG.) 

PwANG-LU. Oh, mighty Son of Heaven 
(indicates) this is Ko-nang, my father, and 
(indicates) this my mother. 

Emperor (to Ko-nang). As a reward of 
your noble daughter's courage and filial piety 
your past is forgiven, and again may you wear 
the red hat of office. (To Attendant.) 
P>ring a mandarin's red hat. (Ko-nang ap- 
proaches throne, Attendant gives red hat to 
Emperor, zvho rises and places it on Ko* 
NANG^s head, Ko-nang still kneeling. Court 
all smile and exclaim.) 

Ko-N.NG. Oh, most gracious Son of Heav- 
en! Had I a million lives they would be too 

70 



f 




< 

Id 

o 
y. 

< 



11 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

short to express the boundless gratitude that 
fills my humble heart. (Rises and steps back a 

little. ) 

Emperor (nods slightly). And the maid 
herself shall be given in marriage to Kuo-pin, 
one of the noblest young mandarins of the 

court. 

(Kuo-pin comes forward, smiling, 

kneels at foot of throne L. opposite 

PwANG-LU. Empress rises.) 

Kuo-PiN. Most illustrious Sovereigns, my 

soul thrills with rapture as I look upon the 

beauty of the maid that in such marvellous 

mercy you have given to be the wife of your 

unworthy servant. Never can I express my 



gratitude 



Emperor. May long years of peace and 
happiness be yours. 

Kuo-PiN. Oh kindest Son of Heaven! 

(Kuo-PiN ''makes eyes'' at Pwang-lu.) 

Ko-NANG. In mercy and kindness our gra- 
cious Emperor and beautiful Empress surpass 
all others who ever sat upon the Dragon 
Throne. (All bow.) 

Empress. This is a most joyful night. Let 
the court musicians make glad music. 

7J 



il 



MUSIC. 

Praises of the Emperor and Empress. 

{May all he recited by one, or may he 
divided among several attendants.) 

Now let there he rejoicing! 
Suestsong's our Emperor proud. 
He's the nohlest Son of Heaven: 
His praise we'll sing aloud. 

For to-night he has forgiven 
Ko-nang, zvho was exiled. 
Has restored the crimson hat, 
And on the family smiled. 

And our lovely Empress, 
Even the heantiful Wii, 
Plead for the life of a maid, 
The charming young Pwang-lu. 

72 



The Reward of Filial Piety. 

On the maid our Emperor smiled 
His gracious, gracious smile; 
He saved her from a dreadful fate, 
And Ko-nang from long exile. 

Now each of us and all of us 
Unto the throne mill how. {All how.) 
Never did sit on the Drctgon Throne, 
Such an Emperor as sits there now. 

Oh, never was an Empress 
So gracious as our own Wu. 
Let ten thousand lutes and voices 
Sound her praise the Empire through. 

The Emperor! the Empress! 
Their praises loud we'll sing, 
Throughout the eighteen provinces. 
Glad songs will gaily ring. 




73 



1903 



